NHL Draft Combine 2012: Analyzing Mikhail Grigorenko's Draft Stock

Mikhail Grigorenko wasn't able to boost his draft stock by taking part in the physical drills at the NHL Draft Combine on Friday in Toronto, but he remains one of the top prospects in this year's draft.

Per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com:

"Mikhail Grigorenko sat out the fitness testing of the Scouting Combine while he continues to recover from a bout of mononucleosis. However, he assured NHL decision-makers he would be 100 percent before teams are scheduled to report to training camps in September."

The Russian forward is one of the most offensively gifted forwards in this draft class, and has the potential to be the No. 1 center that teams picking in the top five of the draft–such as the Columbus Blue Jackets (2nd), Montreal Canadiens (3rd) and Toronto Maple Leafs (5th)–need.

Below is a video of Grigorenko talking about his interviews at the combine.

Grigorenko has impressive size at 6'2" and 183 pounds, and will give the team that drafts him solid playmaking and goal scoring abilities.

In 59 games for the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL this season, Grigorenko scored 40 goals with 45 assists for 85 points.

He's a strong offensive talent that will be a star forward at the NHL level for some time. He also gives teams a left-handed shot with a quick release in the offensive zone.

If he's available at pick No. 5, the Maple Leafs would certainly be intrigued at the prospect of Grigorenko being the No. 1 center that can elevate star winger Phil Kessel's game.

Every young player has his weaknesses, but Grigorenko is too good of an offensive prospect to pass over in this draft.

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